Southern Grit Gravel Sportive

Southern Grit – Herne Hill, England, United Kingdom

• Date: 25 April 2027

Southern Grit is a self-supported gravel sportive organized by Hidden Tracks Cycling, departing from the Herne Hill Velodrome and heading south into the Surrey Hills and North Downs. The event provides riders with an individual GPS tracker, offering live online tracking throughout the day and timed results upon returning to the velodrome.

Two course options are available. The 110 km route features 1,400 meters of elevation gain and is roughly 65% off-road, while the 100 km option covers 1,355 meters of climbing and approximately 60% off-road terrain. Both routes roll out from Herne Hill with a climb to Crystal Palace, followed by park trails through Crystal Palace Park and Norwood Country Park, a climb past Shirley into singletrack, and riding across Addington Hills and through Selsdon Wood. Riders then tackle Baker Boy Lane, descend into Whyteleafe, cross Kenley Aerodrome, and climb Coulsdon Common onto the North Downs ridge.

After descending Tilburstow Hill, the route runs through woodland tracks toward a feed station located at the 54 km mark. Riders continue across Earlswood Common, sandy trails near Reigate, and climb Gatton Park back to the ridge. At this point, the routes diverge: the 110 km option traverses high off-road trails toward Headley Heath and Epsom before returning through Beddington Park and Mitcham Common, while the 100 km route takes a more direct, climb-heavy line back from Gatton Park.

Entry includes morning coffee and croissants at the velodrome, a stocked mid-ride feed station, and pizza and beer at the finish. Riders are responsible for their own navigation via GPX file, pacing, and mechanical repairs. Full event information and entry details are available on the official event website.